 |
 |
 |
First Aid Legislative Amendments
Coming January 1, 2021 in the Northwest Territories
To harmonize safety legislation across Canada, amendments to First Aid regulations will come into effect in the Northwest Territories Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Regulations as of January 1, 2021. Updates for legislative changes in Nunavut will be announced as information becomes available.
Amendments can be found on the Safety Legislation page of our website.
HOw does this change Affect me?
- Employers will need to update their first aid kits. They have a one-year transition period to January 1, 2022, to use up existing supplies and then update their first aid kits to meet the new regulations.
- Current first aid certificates will be recognized as valid until the date of expiry.
- First aid training providers need to update first aid training and training materials for January 1, 2021. Training providers need to submit their application to the Chief Safety Inspector by December 1, 2020.
Available Resources
The WSCC has several tools to help employers navigate these changes.
- The Amendment on First Aid is available on the legislation page on the WSCC website.
- Two codes of practice will be available in December to guide employers and training organizations:
- First Aid Kits
- First Aid Training
For more information, or to submit your updated first aid training program for approval, send an inquiry to OHSregs@wscc.nt.ca or by phoning 1 (800) 661 0792.
|
|
Safety spotlight
Slips, trips, and falls
The WSCC wants to make sure you have information on key workplace safety issues that are relevant to your workplace. Safety Spotlight will highlight seasonal safety topics that frequently cause injuries or incidents. For every topic, we will have a list of resources available FREE on WSCC's website to help employers promote safety awareness to their workers and support a strong safety culture in NWT and NU workplaces.
What subject is up first? Slips, trips, and falls!
Why is it important to talk about Slips, trips, and falls?
Surveys show that most people know that slips, trips, and falls can be a cause of workplace injury. Despite this public awareness, injury rates show that they still make up to 21.5% of claims for work related injuries. That is A LOT of preventable injuries! While workers are going about their everyday tasks, they are experiencing significantly high rates of slips, trips, and falls.
Train your staff
Create a culture of prevention. Remind employees that they have a big part in preventing workplace injuries by taking an active role in safety concerns as they see them. Let them know that it is better to be 5 minutes late than to risk injury resulting from rushing in icy conditions.
Slips, trips, and falls should be a focus of your safety meetings. Remind employees to:
- Slow down.
- Pay attention.
- Keep a clean workspace.
- Wear proper footwear.
- Use 3-point contact while walking down stairs.
- When working from heights, use proper fall protection.
- Keep pathways free of ice, and report any slippery patch they notice.
Slips, trips, and falls should be a topic that is discussed openly and regularly. Visit our website for more information on preventing injuries resulting from slips, trips, and falls.
|
|
Tools and Safety Information for Your Workplace
The WSCC has developed materials to help employers to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 in their workplaces. If there is a tool that you are interested in, you can find it on our COVID-19 Resource Page.
Remember that your employees should take part in exposure control planning for your workplace, so show them what resources are available. It is important that your employees are involved and aware.
If you have any questions about exposure control planning, contact the WSCC today. In Nunavut, contact Covid-19@wscc.nu.ca, and for the Northwest Territories, contact Covid-19@wscc.nt.ca, or you can call 1 (800) 661-0792 to speak with a Safety Inspector.
|
|
Set up automated payments in WSCC Connect
Starting January 1, 2021, automatic payments by credit card will be reactivated in WSCC Connect. If you have not yet automated Assessment Payments or updated your credit card information, but would like to do so, you can start updating your account on December 1, 2020. The legislated penalty of 2% per month on overdue payments is in effect after October 1, 2020.
For information on Employer Assessment payment deadlines and your payment options, please visit WSCC Connect.
If you would like to speak to a WSCC representative about your account, please call 1 (800) 661-0792.
|
|
Reminder: ANNUAL PAYROLL REPORT
Submission open January 1, 2021 - February 28, 2021
Employers, you will receive information about submitting the Annual Payroll Report through WSCC Connect in early December. The deadline is February 28, 2021, but you can submit as early as January 1, 2021.
The Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) section introduced in 2018 is a requirement for completing your submission. Before starting the filing process, WSCC Connect users should consult with the person who manages OHS in the company they are filing for to provide answers to the OHS questions. The questions have been updated from yes/no questions to a scale. This is a great opportunity to ensure your OHS Representative is signed up for SafetyNet, and is receiving essential and timely safety information.
Remember, you must submit an APR even if you are reporting zero (0) payroll. The penalty for late submission is 15% of your previous year's employer payroll assessment.
Employers, if you haven't received your APR package by the middle of December, contact Employer Services:
We're here to help! If you need assistance with WSCC Connect, see the WSCC Connect Help page or contact the WSCC Connect Help Desk toll-free at 1-844-238-5008.
|
|
Deadline: PERSONAL OPTIONAL COVERAGE
Due on DECEMBER 31, 2020
The WSCC provides benefits that support injured workers during the recovery and return to work process. However, WSCC's coverage does not automatically extend to business owners, partners, registered directors, or self-employed people. If you wish to be covered, you are able to opt in by signing up for Personal Optional Coverage, which provides you with the same benefits as other workers.
If you opt in to yearly coverage, you must renew your coverage every year. To ensure there is no break in your coverage, your 2021 Personal Optional Coverage forms must be completed and submitted to the WSCC by December 31st, 2020.
How to apply:
Applying for coverage is easy and flexible. You can apply for as little as one month, or as much as one year of coverage. Fill out the Personal Optional Coverage form on our website, and send it to the WSCC office in your jurisdiction by December 31, 2020.
Submit your form by sending it to:
If you have any questions about the current status of your coverage, or would like more information on Personal Optional Coverage, please contact us today.
|
|
WSCC Offices are closed on Wednesday, December 23rd, and will reopen on Monday, January 4th at 8:30 AM.
To report a serious workplace injury or incident, call 1-800-661-0792.
To report unsafe work, use our Report Unsafe Work service on WSCC Connect.
|
|
wscc.nt.ca / 1.800.661.0792 * wscc.nu.ca / 1.877.404.4407
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
